Drum Teacher Reacts: BILL WARD | Black Sabbath - 'After Forever'

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

Black Sabbath Playlist! | kzbin.info/aero/PLqspKksRqaUVnFs7USmPnqAbJ0Ct1LW8Q Full of reactions, analysis and covers! Enjoy :)

[@mickblack3291]

Johnny Blade off Black Sabbath Never Say Die awaits you

[@mikeg.4211]

Anything from the Master of Reality album is golden. The peak of pure original metal.

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

Totally brilliant stuff

[@PaulThoresen]

Thank you. Black Sabbath firing on all cylinders, Bill Ward driving the bus. Great stuff!

[@billwhitman4125]

Ahhh...My favorite Sabbath song. " Would you like to see the Pope on the end of a rope " ? How did they not catch a crap storm over that line in the mid 70s ? This entire album is a masterpiece. Great reaction

[@ethanharding7332]

they kind of did, geezer mentions it in his autobiography

[@iestyndavies7287]

They didn’t catch crap because they were basically saying people that would want that are idiots! This was their big ‘we’re not really devil worshippers’ push after all the flack they’d caught with the first two albums.

[@justthefacts9374]

Mid 70s ?? Very early 70s 1971 😆

[@RazzleDazz72]

Geezer said it was related to The Troubles in Northern Ireland where Protestants would disrespect the Pope.

[@crimson_sun7274]

I don't think Bill Ward's underrated in any way, but he is forgotten outside the sabbath communities sometimes. It feels very good that he is recognized outside of that for once. ❤ His stuff is HARD to play!

[@dno4794]

Best band in the world, ever...

[@shspurs1342]

On my list of greatest bands ever Black Sabbath are at number 2

[@TheGrouchMan]

Behind who? Let me guess, Zeppelin? @@shspurs1342

[@shspurs1342]

@@TheGrouchMan behind Pink Floyd. By the way i really, really don’t like led zeppelin. In my opinion there one of the most overrated bands of all time ever.

[@TerryVonCannon]

Great reaction Andrew. As always an absolute BANGER by Sabbath. Can never go go wrong with the Masters and originators of metal! 🤘

[@CaptainGanja]

Bill Ward was an amazing drummer indeed. Love his style. 😎👍

[@GregMcNeish]

This and Paranoid (from their second album of the same name) are the early examples of what became Ward's style for the Heaven & Hell album with Ronnie James Dio a decade later, being more of a pocket drummer. It's incredible to see that range, being both capable and comfortable playing jazz comping all day long and locking in on a super tight groove. A criticism that gets leveled at Keith Moon is that he could only do fill-heavy, pounding rock drumming, and on the other side of the coin Ringo Starr takes flak for not being adventurous enough (which I think is complete BS). Bill Ward proved to be great at both.

[@paulhudson563]

This song has one of my favourite lines "Would you like to see the pope on the end of a rope, do you think he's a fool". Brilliant

[@pobsdad]

Yes. Yes I would.

[@CaptainGanja]

Agreed. That was always my favorite line in After Forever as well.

[@philtred21]

Love this song, great review. I'm not a drummer, but as a rock listener I love the drums of Bill Ward on "Children of the Grave".

[@Ninang363]

This is my favorite Sabbath song.

[@shspurs1342]

My favourite Black Sabbath song. That is also my favourite Metal song is “Junior’s Eyes”

[@Ninang363]

Junior's Eyes has a great bass hook!

[@springy-2112]

It's crystal clear on the vinyl the cd and the cassette. It's the drumeo version that's muddy. I know there's songs inside out and they are recorded clearly on the original album. Great to see you reacting to Master of Reality material. I mean you can't really go wrong with any of it to be honest. Peace love and hugs Andrew. ✌️ ❤️ 🤗

[@dirtyburd71]

There is the tell tale digital distortion on this particular recording, that swish swish sound of the high frequency sound like the cymbals. The original recording is SO much better! 👍

[@shspurs1342]

Yep, because the version i have on CD. The sound is way more clear.

[@thesithempire1348]

It's not Black Sabbath's first Christian-themed song, but fans generally don't listen to lyrics. "War Pigs" has very clear Christian overtones, as does "Electric Funeral," both from the prior album, Paranoid.

[@fartypants8776]

War pigs was an anti war song .

[@thesithempire1348]

@@fartypants8776 Yes it is... and also an eschatological one. Listen to or read the final stanza.

[@AlanMcarthur-g9e]

Totally agree with the subject of the lyrics. Being myself a born again Christian these words are excellent. Appreciate Geezers use off words that he believes in a business that's usually not so understanding. Sabbath rules!!

[@fabiolignelli7372]

Excellent reaction, Andrew. Please react, analyze the sacred Snowblind, Sabbath Bloody Sabbath, Hole in the Sky. They are among the best songs from the best band in the history of Rock and Heavy Metal: sacred Black Sabbath. And you still have to discover the later stages of Sabbath, exceptional too, with excellent vocalists Dio, Ian Gillan, Glenn Hughes, Tony Martin. Greetings from Brazil!!!

[@vicprovost2561]

The original band are HoF originators for an entire rock genre, all that followed continued the tradition in their own way. Al! Sabbath is worth a listen because Tony Iommi is on every single track! He IS Black Sabbath and will never be forgotten.

[@glennkirchens7970]

#2 fav album from the Sab4, Sabatoge is #1. This entire set of songs is dream and neck snapping inducement.

[@keithj6251]

Geezer is making his bass sing!

[@alexgolovchenko3791]

When I learned to read script when I was a kid it always gave me a headache, so tedious. But following along as the monitor goes through the music really gives me a renewed appreciation of Bill Ward and the band in general. Sabbath really did have something there! 😎

[@Joetime90]

The bass is so heavy and I love it.

[@kurtsandstrom5716]

The thing I have always loved about Bill Ward was the fact that it fits so perfectly that he made it sound easy. Anolog.

[@robertthomas7176]

I have been a Sabbath fan for over 40 years, always loved the band, but never really appreciated their musicianship the way I do now. You sir do such a great job breaking down and explaining to me the intricacies of the style they helped create. Thank you!

[@mikeg.4211]

Awesome post, Robert!

[@robertwheatley2471]

The main riff has got to be one of the greatest riffs ever. That and the bass are heavy af.

[@mikeg.4211]

Great pick and an even better explanation, Eric! Nicely done!

[@heltonfalusi9201]

Love this album and this song...

[@AlanMcarthur-g9e]

Great tune, and review. Love Strypers cover of this too, excellent. Christian elements of lyrics are so freaking cool.

[@heinruh9788]

I love the Mix it fits the dirty heavy dark Music!

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

Yup it fits!

[@alexgolovchenko3791]

P.S. I'm very grateful to my music teachers for imparting their knowledge with patience and commitment to the craft. Thank You! 🎼🎵🎹🥁

[@TheAntiTryhard]

Many people misinterpret the song. However, the song also contains a lot of irony, especially when analyzing the last lines: "Or will you still jeer at all you hear, yes I think it's too late" Black Sabbath were neither Satanists nor Christians; they were simply philosophical and critical of society.

[@tarinindell8217]

Have you not seen the million or so photos of them wearing crosses? They got told that a curse had been put on them so they wore crosses to ward off the evil. In fact, per Butler: "We said no - we were sort of against Satan..." (in regards to a group asking the band to do more satanist stuff, and they didnt wanna promote evil) Sure, they dabbled in the occult (which led to the dream that the song Black Sabbath was inspired by) They might not have been devout, but classifying them as anything other than "christian" wouldnt be accurate. Also, im an athiest. Most religious music annoys me. But this song CRUSHES the musicality of the band, so i just ignore the lyrics and enjoy the music.

[@mikeg.4211]

the antitryhard, Butler and Iommi were both raised Catholic, incidentally, but this song's lyrics are not ironic. Andrew is correct; the lyrics are very straightforward. This was inspired by Geezer Butler's reaction to the religious violence in Northern Ireland at the time, and thinking that "If God saw the violence being committed in his name, he'd be disgusted."

[@shspurs1342]

@@mikeg.4211Correct, another song about people who claim to be religious. But actually give religion a bad name. Someone trying to convert someone they think is easy target.

[@TheAntiTryhard]

​@@mikeg.4211I believe that the official public statements of the song's creators should be questioned.

[@jamieburgess1460]

Yeah! They all wore crosses to this day and you don't.

[@captinmorgon3699]

Back in the early 70s Sabbath had to have at least 10 tracks on their records to please the American record companies. That’s where stuff like Luke’s Wall, Jack the Stripper, etc. came from. They broke up some of the longer titles into two so it would appear that there were more songs on the record. Interestingly, in the case of Master of Reality they did the same with Into the Void. They called the introduction “Deathmask.” “The Elegy” was the intro for "After Forever"but was only found on earley releses.

[@richardfairlamb9728]

Hi Andrew, how’s this for an incredible album: 1. Sweet Leaf 2. After Forever 3. Embryo 4. Children of the Grave 5. Orchid 6. Lord of this World 7. Solitude 8. Into the Void.

[@gregpaige3711]

One part reminds of the show "friends"

[@zulutangoxray]

Came here looking for someone to notice this.

[@jay-remedy-plz]

At about 10:56 you’re saying the mix is muddy 😂 I brought this LP to high school in 1981 and I guarantee it sounded way worse with less instrument separation, more hiss and I believe slower at 33rpm. It was a favorite song at the time, not so much for the lyrics or message but because as you mentioned it kinda felt like each band member was playing in the pocket. Thx for sharing!!

[@clasmaster1471]

Did friends steal the theme song from this chorus? 3:32

[@zulutangoxray]

No doubt!

[@PaulyV56]

Number 1 album from Sabbath imho.

[@bonhamcymbal]

Id love to know the cymbal sizes on beginning maybe gong?

[@fractaljack210]

The happy part does sound like Rembrandt's ripped it off for the Friends TV show theme.

[@shspurs1342]

Can’t hear the similarity myself. What parts are you thinking off.

[@ogmandog]

I fucken hear it!!!!

[@shspurs1342]

@@ogmandog You hear it, i Don’t hear it, end off.

[@nikosalmpanis-ty3jt]

Black Sabbath 1968-eternity🤘

[@BillyDickson]

Loved that, thank you. 👍

[@SoloTravelerOffTheBeatenPath]

Pretty funny that this song follows immediately after Sweet Leaf on the album. Two completely different subject matters. lol

[@matttee1319]

sounds like the theme song to friends

[@RodrogerAu]

As far as I know, Toni Iommi actually wrote the lyrics for After Forever and not Bill Ward, but I might be wrong wrong??

[@alecalfaras5936]

Favorite sabbath song, thank you

[@shspurs1342]

My favourite metal song of time ever is “ Junior’s eyes”. Lyrics written by “John Osbourne”.

[@GymRat1217]

Weird I was just going thru a spree only listening to this song lately 😂 Lord of this World next. Sick cowbell groove in that one

[@mikeg.4211]

Andrew has previously done a (great) reaction to Lord of This World. Have a look on his playlist. :)

[@isarforace6901]

Sabbath!!!

[@martinclark8799]

Not sure on the sound quality on after forever maybe youtube version on album sounds great Sabbath bloody Sabbath title track 1973 is a must listen for sure metal jazz grind fusion can't wait for your reaction 😁👍🇬🇧

[@shspurs1342]

The version i have on CD. The sound is way more clear.

[@Andy-ok7ev]

ANDREW. LOVE. U. SHOW

[@olebachhansen147]

Black sabbath are awesome. Will you react to Royal Marine corps of drums and The secret drum corps, they are Incredible 😂

[@rickcook7308]

Finally !

[@jonathanlundeen8954]

Andrew,did you do Iron Man and I just missed it? That is their most well known song

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

Not yet!

[@aidan9843]

Please do sabbath bloody sabbath!!

[@cairney0037]

you know I was thinking the drums are awesome but i was having to really try and listen to what he was playing without the notation i think i would really struggle to ear that one really need the notation and I was thinking was although the guitar riff is awesome maybes he could tone down a bit just a fraction so we can pick out all the band members awesome playing lol still an awesome track none the less have a great day Mr Rooney

[@nodaysback1]

*This Song Is A Runaway Cement Truck!*

[@thesongremainsthesameLZ]

The up-beat bright sounding section reminds me so much of the F.R.I.E.N.D.S theme song lol! Sabbath did it first lmao

[@mickblack3291]

Could u give me your drug dealers phone number?

[@davidmastro5406]

The lyrics were written by Geezer Butler, who is Catholic. Sabbath recorded several songs with Christian themes; "Lord of This World" is another obvious one, off the same album.

[@shspurs1342]

The song is about someone. Trying to covert someone they think is easy target.

[@davidmastro5406]

@@shspurs1342 Geezer never mentioned anything about that. Sabbath had dabbled in the occult and were turned off by it, hence the numerous songs they wrote with Christian themes, that warned about the powers of evil--"After Forever", "Lord of this World", and "Black Sabbath".

[@shspurs1342]

@@davidmastro5406 I never said occult or hinted. It’s about people trying to convert people. Geezer also said what was happening Northern Ireland at that time. They did a few songs basically on same theme. People who claim to be religious. But actually give religion a bad name.

[@davidmastro5406]

@@shspurs1342 Geezer never said it was about conversion, and an examination of the lyrics suggests that it was in fact a reaction to people who mocked religion. And the fact that Geezer is still a Christian is also significant. His lyrics from the old Sabbath days are pretty clear.

[@shspurs1342]

@@davidmastro5406 I think me & you will have to agree to disagree. Your obviously religious.

[@misterbungle3251]

Call me crazy, but I've always gotten a bit of a 'Last Train to Clarksville' vibe from parts of this song.

[@buzzbomb67]

I agree, the mix IS a bit muddy and indistinct, esp with that one organ chord running behind the music throughout nearly the entire song. This song is definitely a bit of a departure for Sabbath. Its still VERY much the same band, but it has a little different feel than anything theyd done. Master Of Reality is easily my fave album of theirs. Packed, beginning to end, with absolute classics, and many many firsts. Like you said, it was a band firing on all cylinders, and evolving their sound, just a tad, from album to album, while still staying true to their sound. I mean, Sweet Leaf, After Forever, Children Of The Grave, Lord Of This World, Solitude and Into The Void… man, exceptional! The next album, the one on your tshirt, Vol4, is also a great album, as all the first six were, however, it is the album where the cocaine was flowing freely for that recording, and it was really starting to show…. In some good ways, and some not-so-good. The 5th and 6th albums, Sabbath Bloody Sabbath and Sabotage, were arguably some of their best work, but you could def hear them pushing themselves a bit too hard, such as Ozzy’s vocals on Symptom Of The Universe. His voice starts sounding a bit ragged at times. But oh my lord ….Phenomenal band! Thanks again for the reaction, Andrew! Knew youd love it! :)

[@shspurs1342]

My favourite Metal album of all time ever is Vol 4.

[@shspurs1342]

I don’t know were drummeo got this version from. Because my CD version of this is way more clear.

[@CraigStil22]

This sounds similar to Deep Purple Highway Star, maybe the band you were thinking of?

[@marcelonuno8992]

More similar to Deep Purple's Flight of the Rat.

[@craigryan3069]

Muddy sound on this drumeo version. Much clearer on the LP & CD version.

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

Okay. Thank you!

[@pingamalinga]

Yes. My vinyl of Master of Reality is the most pristine and clear recording I own. Volume 4 was recorded too low and it still bothers me to this day. This album is so amazing. Ozzy raps. 😂

[@gargoyleontheroof]

Geezer's a pretty good bassist for a 6 string player, wouldn't you say?

[@wintyrqueen]

Geezer’s said a bunch of times that it’s not a Christian song, but more about belief in general, & how organised religion can ruin positive ideas. People hear “god” & just assume it means their one

[@GregMcNeish]

Yeah, it's mostly a song about calling out people for phony beliefs and not committing deeply & personally to what they SAY they believe. It's forcefully stating his beliefs and saying that he stands by them and lives them every day, not preaching or promoting those beliefs to others. It's challenging people who criticize others to get off their high horse and instead be critical of themselves.

[@craigleggett1399]

@@GregMcNeish A bit like Jethro Tull's "My God" and "Wind Up" from Aqualung.

[@johndrx165]

What a great song! The drumeo versions you have played do not sound as good as some of the remixed versions to me. Not the best mixing, I agree, but epic stuff.

[@hkharnelian]

Re-muddy sounding production. I still don't think there's a better way to hear Sabbath than original vinyl played on a decent hi-fi system. I have them all on cd and they sound great, but there are still certain songs, and even just passages within them, that sound best on the vinyl. I can't explain that technically, but it's just happens to be my experience. I only play the cds because I don't want to wear out my precious vinyl!

[@shspurs1342]

Obviously a lot of albums from any artist. Mono version sound better.

[@drewmarshall4422]

Iommi is lord

[@ricklivingston966]

good but technical ectasy better check it out

[@daveh9335]

Great message But it was too loud lol

[@GoblinOfGygaxinor]

No nonsense release. The lyrics were printed on the back cover so you could see exactly what you were buying.

[@donnelson6694]

Pretty messy mix but still a good classic song.

[@shspurs1342]

This song isn’t a Christian song. It’s about someone trying to convert someone. That they see as an easy target. Like other there songs. People who give religion a bad name.

[@boomshakalaka8457]

The riff very Tom petty

[@Wayne-Kerr_Rudy-Zarzoff]

Chur wardy

[@stevegiles9080]

Led zeppelin had nothing on black sabbath Black sabbath created many forms of metal and other music Led zeppelin created glam metal

[@jessecompestine7861]

Not one of the better ones of sabbath. Is that really im time?

[@kenhewitt7357]

Great musically, just nonsense Christian lyrics.

[@mikeg.4211]

Butler's lyrics were not nonsense. Regardless of one's beliefs, the lyrics are very coherent.

[@kenhewitt7357]

@@mikeg.4211 I whole heartedly agree with you they were well written, like most of Sabbath's material, it is not just slapped together, that's what makes them so great.

[@shspurs1342]

It’s not a Christian song. It’s a song about someone trying to convert someone. They think is an easy target. like other Sabbath songs people who give religion bad name.

[@mikeg.4211]

@@shspurs1342 that’s not correct. The Ghost song Circe is about that, but this is straightforward and sincere. It was brought about by Butler’s disgust over Northern Ireland originally.

[@AlexLaptschenko]

Dear Dude don't speak so much, please.

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

No doubt did a good song based on my reactions

[@jeanguyjulien6826]

Contrary to widespread popular belief Black Sabbath is not a one dimentionnal band.They can play anything.

[@macdeath69]

Friends.